The new 2017 Hyundai Elantra arrives at dealers later this month with a new design and expanded range of technology features, including both Android Auto and Apple CarPlay connectivity.
In the company's official press release, Mike O'Brien, vice president of product and corporate planning at Hyundai, said that "By launching our best-selling model, Elantra, with CarPlay and Android Auto support, we are building on our promise to offer more convenience features for today's modern driver at an affordable price point."
Hyundai was actually the first to put Android Auto on a vehicle, in the 2015 Hyundai Sonata. Now, the South Korea-based company has chosen one of its more popular nameplates to launch both Apple's and Google's automobile-smartphone projection standard together.
These mobile integrations will allow drivers to take advantage of text messaging and hands-free calling. The projected interfaces will also provide access to navigation apps and third-party music applications such as Google Maps, Spotify, Google Play Music, and many others. Music will be streaming from the driver's phone, but it will be projected using the vehicle's speakers.
Users will only need to hit a button on the steering wheel to trigger Siri or Google Now voice commands while their smartphone is connected. Those features will use the driver's phone data plan when streaming music and while using navigation so they may have to carefully monitor usage. Instead of using the phone's GPS, the system will utilize the car's GPS for better navigation. Hyundai further notes that the Elantra "provides a second USB port for charging because of this wired connection."
Aside from the 2017 Elantra, there will also be a wider rollout of the new tech feature across Hyundai's full lineup. Existing owners of some model also will be able to update their infotainment software to enable support, but it will only be compatible with the company's Display Audio or fourth-generation navigation systems.
The 2017 Hyundai Elantra will arrive in showrooms across the United States before this month ends. Prices start at $17,985, which is $100 less than the model it is replacing. It will come in SE and Limited trims which will both use a 2.0-liter four-cylinder utilizing the Atkinson cycle that makes 147 horsepower and 132 pound-feet of torque.
Hyundai offers the base SE with a six-speed manual, but the six-speed automatic elevates the price to $18,985. It is important to mention that Apple CarPlay and Android Auto Support will come with the $800 Popular Equipment Package. For another $1,300, the Tech Package will additionally provide LED running lights, dual-zone climate control, heated front seats, blind spot detection, and more. For a full price breakdown of the models' various packages and trims, head here.
